17/04/2024
Regretfully, Somewhere Else (SWE) – the Bread Church has had to make the decision to close permanently.
This has not been an easy journey for either the SWE leadership or the Emmaus circuit, but a combination of factors has resulted in this decision being the only option open to us.
Much prayerful discernment over several months by the leadership team has already led to conversations with facilitators and many community members. It is time now to let the wider diaspora know. We are all sad to see this important city centre ministry ending after almost 25 years of pioneering work but hope that in the future a new Methodist ministry will be enabled in Liverpool City Centre to work alongside all those in our community, but especially the marginalised, whom we have served in the past.
We recognise that this news will bring up varied emotions including, for many, feelings of loss. We would like to invite you to share a memory or two to help us work through this together. Please post your memories here or send them to [email protected]. We will collate and share them over the coming weeks.
SWE has never been about the building, but always about the people, with the influence of this, always fragile, community reaching across the world as well as here in the Liverpool District. Our recipe of offering an experience of Christ through the outrageous hospitality of baking and sharing bread has been transformational for so many who have crossed our threshold.
We have been deeply humbled and honoured to walk alongside so many people on their personal journey, whether they spent one day with us, stayed awhile on placement, or returned over and over again.
We thank you for your past support and ask for your prayers in this, the last part of the Bread Church’s life. The fellowship and friendships we have encountered over the years are amazing and will continue to be important to us.
Please continue to follow us until the doors on Bold Street, Liverpool finally close.
Best Wishes
Community of SWE leadership team (CoSWE)